The International Student Round Table (ISRT) is your regular meeting point to get through your studies as a regular international student in computer science at KIT safely and well connected. The format is organized by the Informatics Study Program Service (ISS) and accompanies you through the entire first semester with helpful information, tips and direct exchange.

What is the ISRT?

The ISRT is an open, friendly exchange platform for international students - both regular students and temporary exchange students. In regular meetings you will receive

  • easy-to-understand orientation on all important steps in your studies
  • concrete support on organizational topics such as enrolment, module selection, campus systems or examination procedures
  • Insights into student life at KIT and in Karlsruhe
  • Opportunities to get to know other students and build a network

The meetings take place at key points in the semester - e.g. at the start, in the middle ("In the Thick of It") or shortly before the exam phase ("Fit for exams and returning home").

You can find recordings of past events in our event archive.

Why should you take part?

You will find it easier to study at KIT
Many processes - such as the module handbook, VVZ, CMS, ILIAS or SignMeUp - are unfamiliar at the beginning. The ISRT will show you step by step how to use the systems correctly, which deadlines are important and how to plan your first semester sensibly.

You get answers exactly when you need them - The ISRT is deliberately organized along the course of the semester.

This means:

  • After your arrival, you will receive orientation & checklists
  • In the middle of the semester, there is support with organization and study planning
  • Towards the end of the semester, you will learn everything you need to know about the examination process

You get to know students with similar experiences

Many international first-semester students face similar issues: housing, culture, language, course selection, bureaucracy. At the ISRT, you will meet fellow students who know exactly how it feels to get started - and mentors and student representatives who can give you first-hand tips.

You become part of the international computer science community at KIT

The ISRT not only connects you with the ISS team, but also with the Student Council Maths/Info, the International Students Office (IStO), the Buddy Program, the Studierendenwerk, ESN and other important offices at KIT.
So you always know where you can get help - academically, organizationally or socially.

What can you expect at the events?

Each meeting has a clearly defined topic - here are some examples:

Kick-Off to the semester

  • Arriving at KIT and in Karlsruhe
  • Overview of the start of the semester
  • First steps & checklists
  • Introduction to campus tools and study organization

In the Thick of It - What next in my first semester?

  • How do I plan my semester?
  • How do I choose modules correctly?
  • When do I have to register for what?

Fit for exams and returning home

  • Exam registration & procedure
  • Learning strategies
  • What to do before returning home (for temporary students)?
The ISRT is aimed at you if you:
  • are starting your computer science studies at KIT,
  • are a regular international student,
  • are an exchange student (ERASMUS, Eucor, Overseas, Freemover...) taking computer science courses at KIT,
  • would like support in entering the German university system,
  • want to meet new people from all over the world.


🙌 C ome along - we look forward to meeting you!
The International Student Round Table is there for you to help you understand your studies at KIT, make the right decisions and quickly feel like you belong. Whether you have questions, need guidance or simply want to get to know other students - you are very welcome!